PFAS found at three locations in Deerlijk: preventive measures for local residents

In June last year, the Flemish Government decided to map all locations with an increased risk of PFAS contamination. These are places where there were large fires in the past and therefore fluorine-containing fire-fighting foam may have been used. This list was supplemented with fire stations and training areas, and a few companies where, after an exploratory soil investigation, there are indications of PFAS contamination.

No eggs, vegetables and fruit

Traces of PFAS have been found in Hoogstraat 109 (the former fire station) and the company sites at Houtekietstraat 16 and Oudenaardse Heerweg 76. A descriptive study now follows. Until then, preventive measures will apply to local residents to avoid possible exposure.

For example, the Agency for Care and Health advises residents within a radius of 100 meters not to eat eggs from their own chickens, no home-grown vegetables and home-grown fruit. Do not use groundwater as drinking water and practice good hand hygiene.

For local residents within a radius of 500 meters, the Agency advises not to use groundwater or well water as drinking water and not to cook with it. Do not use the groundwater to moisten your vegetable garden or to fill swimming pools. You can still use the groundwater for other things such as washing the car, flushing the toilet, spraying the driveway and watering ornamental plants.

Further soil research

Additional research is needed to map the contamination and to determine whether there is an effective risk to people and the environment. OVAM monitors the execution of the soil investigation.